Euphorion (English spelling)

Dates of birth and death unknown. Ancient Greek poet. Born in Euboea. His birth year is said to be around 275 BC, but there is much doubt. He was invited by Antiochus III of Syria to be head of the library in Antioch. He was prolific, but only a few fragments remain. Most of his works are so-called epyllions (short epic poems), and are themed on Trojan legends and local history and folklore, and are notable for their unexpected technique and pedantic language. His influence extended to the classical period of Rome, and he produced so many admirers that Cicero lamented, "The disciples of Euphorion."

[Teruo Ito]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

生没年不詳。古代ギリシアの詩人。エウボイアの出身。生年は紀元前275年ごろとされるが、疑問が多い。シリアのアンティオコス3世からアンティオキアの図書館長に招かれた。多作であったが、わずかな断片しか現存しない。いわゆるエピュリオン（小叙事詩）がほとんどで、トロヤ伝説や地方の歴史と伝承をテーマにし、意表をつく技巧と衒学(げんがく)的なことばが目だつ。影響はローマの古典期に及び、キケロをして「エウフォリオンの徒」と慨嘆させたほど多くの私淑者を生んだ。

［伊藤照夫］

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